The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in the larval
form as shown here resembles nothing of the adult form with bright orange and black wings. The lifespan of a monarch is only 6 to 8 weeks, but during that time most migrate thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico and beyond. The larvae eat only from the milkweed plant, like this one is munching. As the larvae go through their 5 instar stages, their form changes to include two long tentacles on the thorax and abdomen. After the 5th instar, they pupate and emarge in all their glory several weeks later.